Mental Health and Social Inclusion

Publisher:: Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Publication date:: 2021-02-01

ISBN:: 2042-8308

Issue Number

Latest documents

Two narratives: recovery journeys in mental health
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare lived recovery journeys in mental health with recovery models. Design/methodology/approach: Unstructured interviews with prompts were conducted with two individuals. Findings: Some recovery models correspond in part with the live experience of subjects. These narratives have personal emphasis that is incongruent with the highlighted models. In particular, the subjects have a place for therapeutic interventions, i.e. talking therapies and medication. Research limitations/implications: The live experience of the two people with mental health issues crosses boundaries of recovery models. Relevant models include those used in peer support; however, they too do not fit exactly with the detailed journeys. Practical implications: A varied approach without preconceptions is appropriate to understand the components of these two recovery journeys. Social implications: The medical model approach to mental health is not discounted rather it is integral to these two recovery journeys. Originality/value: This is qualitative research using stated models of mental health recovery. In addition to the principles of hope, meaning, connectedness, identity and empowerment, the two subjects include the essential part for medication and talking therapies in their recovery.
Editorial
Can CrossFit aid in addiction recovery? An exploratory media analysis of popular press
Purpose: CrossFit has been popularized for the high intensity workouts it provides and the sense of community it facilitates; however, its potential as an adjunctive treatment for addiction is unknown, as is has not been published in traditional peer-reviewed literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the potential for CrossFit to benefit individuals in addiction recovery. Design/methodology/approach: A search was conducted using the search terms “CrossFit,” “addiction” and “addiction recovery.” A tool was created to categorize key information within articles such as type(s) of addiction described, mention of support/community, main narrative type (personal story, information about a treatment centers, etc.), mental health described as a comorbidity, and if the exercise program(s) was(were) used to prevent, sustain or support recovery. Findings: Nearly half of the articles reviewed (48 per cent) described personal stories related to using CrossFit as a means to overcome addiction, and 26 per cent were about CrossFit gyms targeting addiction recovery. A key finding was that 62 per cent of all articles mentioned the community and social component of CrossFit as an important mechanism of the recovery process. Finally, 33 per cent of articles recognized mental health as a comorbidity to addiction and therefore also proposed CrossFit as a suitable way to improve mental health. Research limitations/implications: Although this was a review of gray literature, the findings reveal how CrossFit may be an innovative approach for supporting addiction recovery. Practical implications: The potential benefits identified in the articles demonstrate the positive impact that CrossFit may have on recovering addicts. Empirical research is needed to objectively study the impact of key aspects that CrossFit can provide to individuals overcoming addiction. Originality/value: This study provides an example of how anecdotal evidence of addiction recovery can be used for analysis, thus providing a strategy to be implemented in addiction treatment facilities. CrossFit has been widely popularized by the fitness community, but the social support and exercise it provides may be a leverage point for supporting individuals in recovery.
Chronicles of one woman’s journey towards well-being: identity part 1
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences and reflections of one woman’s journey towards well-being. Design/methodology/approach: A narrative approach has been taken to structure reflections based on lived experience. Findings: Reflections are offered based on a personal journey towards well-being. Originality/value: This paper adds to the accounts of the lived experience of the journey towards well-being, and as such, contributes to the understanding of the process of rebuilding a life.
Research watch: people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage in the UK and USA – psychosis, racism and inclusion
Purpose: This paper aims to examine three recent papers on psychosis and social inclusion in relation to people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage in the UK and the USA. Design/methodology/approach: A search was carried out for recent papers on psychosis and social inclusion in relation to people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage in the UK and the USA. I selected three papers addressing this theme from different angles. Findings: The first paper extends previous findings (that psychosis can follow traumatic events) to Black Americans and includes the contribution of societal inequalities and racism. The second paper illustrates Black men’s experiences of mental health services for psychosis in the UK. It finds, not surprisingly, that a lack of listening combined with coercive use of medication reduces trust in services. The third paper offers hope in reporting collaborative work with people of Black African Caribbean heritage in the UK to culturally adapt family intervention for psychosis. The first and third papers both place importance on valuing people’s spiritual beliefs. Originality/value: All three papers highlight the on-going need for increased equity and social inclusion in mental health services for people of Black African and African Caribbean heritage, in terms of recognising the role of childhood trauma and later stresses, addressing the potential harm of over-reliance on medication, offering therapy that is collaborative and culturally adapted and respecting valued spiritual beliefs.
Mental health services designed for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics (BAME) in the UK: a scoping review of case studies
Purpose: Mental health disparities exist among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics (BAME) populations. This paper aims to provide an overview of mental health services designed for the BAME population in the UK, both established BAME communities and refugee/asylum-seekers. Design/methodology/approach: A range of electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies conducted within the past decade in the UK. Using the Arksey and O’Malley methodology, data were extracted, analysed and summarised. Findings: A total of 13 papers were identified, mostly non-randomised community-based. Studies were very heterogeneous in terms of their sample and service provided. After the initial appraisal, the authors presented a narrative synthesis. Overall, all studies reported positive mental health outcomes and beneficial effects. Research limitations/implications: Because of the time limitations and quality of the papers, the authors only included peer-reviewed journal papers. Practical implications: Mental health services provided for BAME people, both established and refugee/asylum-seekers are feasible and improve engagement with the services and mental health outcomes. Initiatives are required to facilitate the integration of these targeted services within mental health and community services for BAME in the UK. Originality/value: This scoping review is a snapshot of the mental health services designed for BAME people in the UK, either established or refugee/asylum-seekers in the past 10 years and adds to the evidence-based knowledge from these studies.
Compulsion and race: over-representation and time to act decisively
Research watch: what really helps recovery in relation to severe mental health difficulties?
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine three recent papers on mental health services and how they support recovery following a diagnosis of a severe mental health condition. Design/methodology/approach: A search was carried out for recent papers on mental health and recovery. The author selected three papers that seemed to advance understanding of not only whether, but also how recovery of a meaningful life may be best supported in mental health services. Findings: One paper suggested how staff were able to support service users’ personal goals and focus on recovery in acute inpatient settings, and what got in the way. The author suggests practical ways to address the barriers. A second paper reported the testing of a new model for supporting staff in primary and secondary care to work together so that service users with a diagnosis of bipolar or schizophrenia were better supported to work towards valued goals. A third paper reviewed 40 studies of how people can experience positive change after a first diagnosis of psychosis, and how change happened. Originality/value: By studying the issues in detail, all three papers show how improved support for recovery and inclusion can be implemented against the backdrop of many years of service shortcomings.
Social support, depressive symptoms, and online gaming network communication
Purpose: The increase of videogame use has raised concerns regarding mental health of gamers (e.g. social isolation, depression); however, online gaming may offer the benefit of social connectivity. Many games provide ways for people to meet and interact, providing social opportunities difficult to come by for some young adults. One way to investigate social connection is through social network analysis, which explores the influence of connections on behaviors. The purpose of this paper is to analyze factors related to social connections within an online gaming community, with an emphasis on the influence of social support and depressive symptoms on network ties. Design/methodology/approach: All members of an online gaming site were asked to report demographics, site use, depressive symptoms, “in-real-life” (IRL) social support, and online social support. Members were also asked to nominate those in their gaming network with whom they spoke to about important life matters. Moran’s I determined the spatial autocorrelation of depressive symptoms and IRL support within the network. Exponential random graph modeling determined factors significantly associated with tie presence between members. Findings: Members (n=37) were significantly more likely to speak to other members about important life matters if they reported more site hours, more depressive symptoms, and less IRL support. Depressive symptoms and IRL support were not significantly spatially autocorrelated within this network. Originality/value: Results suggest members may be filling an IRL social support deficit with friends they have met online. Additionally, members who reported more depressive symptoms may be seeking help from informal online connections through online gaming.
Future studies, mental health and the question of citizenship
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the value of utilising future studies to explore citizenship for people with mental health challenges. Design/methodology/approach: This paper critiques the discipline of future studies and considers it in the context of the citizenship and mental health literature. It explores how future studies can be utilised to promote marginalised voices, such as those of people with mental health challenges. Findings: Technology is leading to rapid change in society including what it means to be a citizen (Isin and Nielsen, 2008; Isin and Ruppert, 2015). Whilst citizenship has been promoted within mental health for a long time, change has been slow (Rowe and Davidson, 2016). In order to create inclusive opportunities for people with mental health challenges, any focus on citizenship in mental health needs to not only address the present time but to anticipate and influence future technological directions. Originality/value: This paper is original in bringing together mental health and the future impact on society of new technologies. It stands to offer a new perspective to discussions on citizenship.